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Want to enter the exciting world of property? Discover our BSc Real Estate course. This degree is for you if you are interested in the study of the built environment and in the acquisition, disposal, management and valuation of land and buildings.

Developed in the UK in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, you will complete your undergraduate degree with the most current and relevant insights.

You’ll learn comprehensive theory, as well as practical aspects of real estate and apply this to a range of real-life case studies, helping you get acquainted with the multifaceted world of property and real estate.

Developed in accordance with the requirements of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the leading international professional body for surveying, our course meets the needs of potential employers in the public, private and third sectors.

You will gain a detailed understanding of real estate, alongside learning to make an expert analysis of the processes of its ownership, development, occupation, valuation and management. You’ll also examine economics and finance, property valuation and management, development, construction, urban planning and law, ensuring you are equipped with the attributes you’ll need for a successful career.

The course integrates technological, financial, legal and management issues, and you will connect the theories and practice of real estate to a range of real-life case studies, helping you understand the complex world of property.

We will prepare you for a career in real estate, developing your collaborative skills and ensuring you are not only able to practise effectively within the global real estate industry, but that you are also sensitive to the needs of the diverse cultures that you come into contact with in your work.

What's covered in the course?

Especially relevant for the would-be chartered surveyor, this course offers a detailed study of the built environment alongside an expert analysis of the acquisition, disposal, management and valuation of land and buildings.

Benefitting from our staff's close links with industry, the course thoroughly prepares you for the enormously varied work of a general practice surveyor.

Why Choose Us?

The average starting salary of a School of Engineering and the Built Environment graduate is £23,000 (DLHE 2014/15).

In 2017, we are spending £6.5 million on improvements to our Millennium Point facilities so you’ll have even more access to dedicated, industry-standard equipment.

We will help you to become one of the real estate surveyors of the future, equipped with the knowledge, tools and skills to operate efficiently and effectively.

Our alignment with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) ensures our course remains fresh and relevant, as well as providing key industry links and insight.

You’ll learn the analytical and problem-solving skills you need to meet the demands of a broad range of real estate markets.

There will be regular site visits to enhance your learning experience, and talks from industry leaders will help explain how to gain employment within the real estate world.

Open Days

Our next Open Day for this course will take place in Autumn 2018. Register your interest and we'll let you know details as soon as they are available.

To welcome all new home and EU undergraduate degree students starting in 2018 or 2019, we're giving at least £150 worth of credit to spend in a host of ways, on books and a range of learning materials. Even better, it doesn’t have to be repaid. Terms and conditions apply.

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

UK students

Essential

At the point of application, you must have GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Mathematics. Equivalent qualifications can be considered in lieu of GCSE subjects as long as the required subjects are covered.

BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels

Typical Offers

UK Qualification

Requirements 2018/19

GCE A Level/ AS Level

BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Pass overall with 60 credits, 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2, including with a minimum of 12 credits achieved from any units awarded at Merit or Distinction

BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years)

D*D* or combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 112 UCAS points (2017 entry)

BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years)

DMM - 112 UCAS points

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/ National Award (6-units not including early years)

Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 112 UCAS points (2017 entry)

BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design

Distinction

International Baccalaureate Diploma

1. For students who complete the full IB Diploma: a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects.

2. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates.

Students must have grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level)ANDEnglish Group A - Grade 4 or above,OREnglish Group B and Ab Initio - Grade 5

Irish Leaving Certificate

B2, B2, B3, B3, B3

Scottish Higher/ Advanced Higher

AABB

Welsh Baccalaureate (core plus options)

Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 112 UCAS points (2017 entry)

Additional Requirements

As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.

This will provide you with more information about the School and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.

Worried about your results?Explore your options with Clearing

If you're worried about your exam results, changed your mind about your course choices or haven't applied yet - Clearing is a great time to explore your options. We explain what Clearing is and how it works.

International Students

Award

Start

Mode

Duration

Fees

BSc (Hons)

Sep 2018

FT

3 years

£12,000 per year

If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.

Places available to start in September 2018

If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.

School or college experience

Non-accredited skills or achievement

eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Additional costs

There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements). If your course includes a residential study session, the accommodation costs for this are already included in your course fee.

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Worried about personal statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

Year one

Introduction to the Built Environment

20 credits

This module explores how key ‘actors’, including professional bodies, landowners, developers, investors, politicians, members of the public, and the state influence the development of the built (and natural) environment. You will explore the way in which politics, the economy, society, technology, law and the environment (PESTLE) all shape the built (and natural) environment.

You will also consider past, current and potential future trends that influence development, including significant issues such as resource availability and climate change and learn how development processes occur at different spatial scales and contexts. In groups, you will work with industry, researching and presenting ideas about current thinking in relation to PESTLE and the actors involved with the development process. You will also develop your professional presentation, academic research and client care skills.

Introduction to Property Markets

20 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the property markets and develop your knowledge of the property markets across different sectors and the drivers of space, property and capital market. It will focus on the different types of property markets and the role of property in the wider economy from a social, economic and investment perspective. In this introductory module, you will learn about the activities of the various property stakeholders, the different property types and the range of property investment instruments, such as property trusts. You will develop critical investigation skills in solving challenges in the property market in a professional context.

Professional Environmental and Materials Science

20 credits

Environmental and materials science is an important area of study for all disciplines involved with the design, planning, development and management of the built environment. This module encourages you to consider how the properties, structures and performance of materials influence why buildings function. You will be encouraged to consider how these properties have an impact on construction from a design and practical use perspective. This module will enable you to develop innovative solutions for more robust, resilient, safe and sustainable buildings and structures.

Using directed learning exercises, you will produce a professional portfolio exploring issues including design technology, building methods, energy use and thermal effect. Many of these issues relate closely to the changing landscape of the sustainability agenda, which affects all built environment disciplines from planning and design to property management. In groups you will produce a final professional poster which will be presented to an industry panel.

Introduction to Valuation

20 credits

Valuation is a crucial skill across the built environment and is core to many professional pathways. This module introduces the theory of valuation as a set of principles, financial mathematics, methods and techniques employed for identifying and understanding economic concepts of value and worth in a property context.

You will build an understanding of the central role of valuation in the efficient functioning of the property markets and the wider economy and develop your knowledge of the tools and techniques required to provide prudent advice when dealing with property.

You will gain the foundational valuation tools that you will further develop in subsequent modules as you improve your practical skills in valuing a wide range of assets for different purposes including sales, development appraisal and investment management.

Built Environment Technology

20 credits

This module, for all of the built environment professions, introduces a range of concepts relating to the technology of construction. You will gain an understanding of modern and sustainable methods of construction, based on the example of low rise residential construction as this is relatively straightforward and gives you the opportunity to explore these issues appropriately.

You will be introduced to everyday materials, construction methods, building services and Building Regulation. You will gain an insight into the properties of materials and the basic scientific principles that apply to them. You will focus on construction materials and how they can be used to create a construction element and/or component (e.g. a floor, an external wall, a roof). In order to gain an understanding of the design process, you will create and present a virtual building model.

Law

20 credits

This module will provide you with the basic legal concepts and principles you will need throughout your career in the built environment.

You will be introduced to the structure and processes of the English legal system. This is the essential foundation of the legal skills necessary for the provision of sound advice to clients and colleagues in your career. In particular, you will focus on legal and regulatory frameworks which shape the design, development and management of buildings and places. You will explore the English legal system and how law is made and contract and tort law including nuisance, negligence and occupiers’ liability.

To put your skills into practice, you will be presented with scenarios and required to provide accurate, informed and professional advice to your client with reference to existing case law.

Year two

Design and Development in the Built and Natural Environment

20 credits

In this module, you will explore the socio-economic, historical, environmental and governance context that shapes the design and use of buildings and structures. We will encourage and support you to develop and apply a range of research techniques to evaluate the costs, benefits and values of ‘good’ design; how to appraise the implications of different approaches to implementation, on-going use, management and quality of place; and produce a practice-based piece of work that delivers a range benefits to different users and communities.

Advanced Valuation Methods

20 credits

This module will develop your ability to apply both traditional and contemporary discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques within the framework of property investment and occupation markets. It covers a range of topical analysis that will enable you to critically appraise and solve practical valuation issues. The knowledge acquired during the module will not only enable you to select the ‘right’ technique in today’s market place but also challenges you to question the validity of alternative techniques in the context of identifying the risk of property valuation error.

Property valuation is a cornerstone skill for the Chartered Surveyor. Thus, this module helps to equip you with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to allow you to enter the surveying profession whilst further enhancing your critical thinking, analytical ability and communication skills.

Data and Decision Making

20 credits

This module allows you to develop and apply your research skills in a property development, planning and real estate context. You will gain an introduction to some of the data, techniques and approaches required to explore social, economic, environmental and technological change in a built environment context. The module comprises two parts: preparatory sessions to provide you with the necessary background information, qualitative and quantitative techniques and data to successfully undertake fieldwork and a field visit, run over several days and consisting of a series of staff-led sessions and individual / group project exercises.

You will reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to conducting research; the key principles of quantitative data analysis, and qualitative research; how to collect new data during fieldwork; how messages can be communicated for different audiences; the role of communication skills; and the importance of negotiation, mediation, advocacy and leadership skills.

Building Pathology

20 credits

This module covers the requirement for property professionals engaged with the existing built environment to appreciate the varying needs of clients in relation to property, to identify methods of construction, appraise the condition of a building, and make recommendations to achieve a client’s aims. You will have an opportunity to apply your learning to a relevant case study to develop your practical skills.

This module relates to 2 of the RICS core competencies: Inspection and Measurement of Land and Property, as well as the optional competency of Building Pathology.

Property Asset Management

20 credits

Property asset management is one of the core functions of a real estate professional. In this module, you will explore the principal ways of managing physical property from the perspective of operational asset management for a variety of property sectors. In addition, you will learn about the principles of corporate (occupier) property management.

You will be able to apply knowledge gained in different property subject areas to conceptualise and implement programmes for operational and asset management. The module also explores space demand drivers and contemporary issues in sustainability and property in order to provide you with the technical knowledge and understanding required by professional bodies such as the RICS. The module will also enable you to develop critical investigation skills in solving problems in a professional context.

Property Law

20 credits

This module introduces you to the nature of real property and the legal framework that regulates its acquisition, disposal, use, occupation and management. It is designed to relate to issues that you may meet in professional practice and explain the way in which the law will affect your day-to-day activities and decisions. You will develop your general competencies through problem-based studies based on the abilities and skills required of a professional practitioner. These practical problems will allow you to apply the knowledge gained in your studies.

Year three

Applied Valuation

20 credits

Valuation is central to the work of the professional real estate surveyor. Valuation expertise is used in a wide range of real estate contexts including investment, asset management, property development and maintenance management.

This module is designed to further develop your valuation knowledge and skills and build on your previous learning in the Level 4 and Level 5 valuation modules. The module presents a series of true to life applications and encourages you to consider the wide range of purposes behind valuations. You will gain the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to facilitate your development into a leading real estate professional.

Property Marketing

20 credits

The module will introduce you to the various aspects of marketing communications, from initial analysis of the property and market through to developing an expanding range of promotional and negotiation techniques.

You will explore all elements of the promotion mix with particular reference to the estate agency sector and the wider property business industries. You will cover advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, public relations, professional ethics and direct marketing. You will also consider new areas of increasing relevance such as product placement, electronic print and social media.

An understanding of clients and consumers and their buyer behaviour will enable you to have a greater understanding of targeting individuals and groups for existing properties and new developments with new product ranges, brand positioning, target marketing and tailored communication strategies. This module will prepare you for a career in property agency and property development, alongside the mainstream property professions.

Individual Project

40 credits

This is a chance to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide on your topic, which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material.

The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider its relevance to your future academic or professional development.

You will be expected to work independently, with additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress, extra support will be available which may take the form of group seminars, workshops or online materials.

Property Fund Management

20 credits

Property fund management is a relatively new core competence for the real estate and development professional (Chartered Surveyor). Accordingly, a comprehensive grounding in the principles and practice of property investment and finance is essential.

The module introduces and develops the concept and practice of property fund management in relation to real world market activity and includes a consideration of property finance. This will increase your awareness of the role of property as an investment asset class, its use as an investment and the means of financing property investments and developments. In particular, it emphasises both theoretical and analytical aspects of property decision making in the context of property portfolios formation and management.

Professionalism and Citizenship

20 credits

In this module, you will focus on extending and providing appropriate evidence of your professional skills and development. The aim of the module is to introduce you to key contemporary social thinking within the built environment, centred on community, built environment diversity and inclusivity issues.

You will gain an appreciation and understanding of the principles, tools, methods and processes of consultancy and professionalism and how these link to a wider citizenship agenda. You will explore practice-based learning through a ‘hands-on’ group-based consultancy assignment with a real client organisation. You will be required: to deconstruct and negotiate a consultancy project in a situation where initially there may be a lack of clarity, high ambiguity, intense uncertainty and unusual data; apply a range of frameworks to structure analytical thinking; apply techniques to complete the research; and demonstrate effective communication skills in delivering the final results to the client.

Want to start in Year two or Year three?

If you have completed a Foundation/HND course and want to study this degree with us in 2017, you may be able to start in Year two/three (level 5/6). Please be aware that the modules for a Year two/three start will be different to the ones listed above. You will need to download the 2016/17 programme for more information on which modules you will be studying.

Course Structure

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the built environment, learning about building technology and innovation, valuation and economics, and the fundamentals of property law.

In year two, you will build on your previous learning and learn about development, planning and data management, as well as enhancing your skills in property management.

For your final year, you will study more detailed and complex valuation, property investment and corporate property management, supporting your final research project and dissertation.

Assessment takes the form of unseen written examinations, essays, written assignments, posters, oral presentations and an e-portfolio, as well as workshops, online quizzes and more. Learning on the course will come from classroom sessions such as lectures, workshops and small group discussions.

Attendance requirements

There are 24 weeks of teaching in each academic year.

Full-time

A typical week on this course will include 12 hours per week of contact time over two to three days, plus 15 to 25 hours of self study.

Part-time

A typical week on this course will include six to nine hours per week over one day, plus 10 to 20 hours of self study.

Student stories – Rachel Hill

Ambitious Rachel Hill made the most of her 12-month sandwich placement – before graduating with first class honours. Her work placement not only equipped her with the hands-on experience to impress employers, but also counted towards a valuable professional qualification.

It’s also been the perfect way to show employers what she’s made of. Rachel was able to work towards her Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) before completing her degree, as the placement experience counted towards the first 12 months of her APC diary.

Being able to show to prospective employers that I had completed the first year of my APC and had experience in the industry also put me in good stead for graduate jobs once I had completed my degree

This course is accredited by the following organisations:

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

The course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Successful completion of the course will lead to Professional Membership after the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Study and work abroad

If you are interested in undertaking part of your studies abroad, the Erasmus scheme may be of interest to you. It allows higher education students to study for part of their degree in another European country.

It is open to undergraduates in their second year (or above) and offers a unique opportunity to enhance your CV and experience new cultures. If you study with us you will have access to an Erasmus co-ordinator, who can provide information about which institutions we have links with.

Further Study

You will be encouraged to progress to postgraduate study within the school, which provides a range of relevant Master’s courses. Details can be found on the courses section of the website.

Praise from external examiners

“The high level of staff commitment to the student experience is quite evident and witnessed in positive student feedback.”External examiner, BSc Real Estate

Enhancing your employability skills

We are committed to practice-led learning and teaching, ensuring that you get vital experience of the world of work through relevant activities. These could include voluntary work, live projects, problem solving, case studies, site visits and opportunities to interact with visiting professionals.

The University also has its Graduate+ programme, which is an extracurricular awards framework that will enhance the subject-based skills you’ll develop on the course with broader employability skills. Graduate+ will help you with CV writing, crafting personal statements and interview techniques, as well as helping you to source jobs.

Placements

Our excellent links with industry employers provide opportunities for voluntary work placements and permanent career opportunities.

Students have been found internships or work placements at companies such as CBRE, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, GVA, Knight Frank and Savills.

The opportunities with companies such as Birmingham-based Willmott Dixon, a leading independent construction and property company, have increased confidence, ability and skills.

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.

BCU Graduate+

Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.

Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations

Number 1The UK is ranked first by international students for overall satisfaction.The UK's competitive advantage report 2017

The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.

The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.

Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)

International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.

BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.

Building work on our new Conservatoire began in the summer of 2015 – and is scheduled for completion in summer 2017. This, along with the construction of a new city centre accommodation block, means our students have access to their very own building sites.

We couple this with the more traditional, office-based facilities:

Surveying equipment

Part of your learning activity will be hands-on, including carrying out survey work using a range of equipment, such as levels, theodolites, measuring tapes.

Computer Assisted Design (CAD)

You will be provided with the latest CAD software – free of charge – to enable you to acquire the skills you need in a modern design office.

91% of our students agree that staff were good at explaining things. National Student Survey 2016

Professor David Higgins

Professor of Real Estate

Dr David Higgins is the Professor of Real Estate, Birmingham City University and past Visiting Professor, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Xiamen University, China. David has worked in both industry and academia in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and China. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and has strong industry links.

Prior to academia, David worked in the property industry including Colliers International, Bayleys Real Estate, Jones Lang LaSalle and Tyndall Property Fund Management. For the past five years, David’s scholarly research included property market performance and strategies, and new concepts of property risk. Funded research covered property market structures, property finance and social housing covering development and performance challenges.

Mr Timothy Lee

Lecturer

Tim ran his own property management and estate agency firm on the Isle of Wight for over ten years, during this time he completed his MSc in Real Estate Surveying via distance learning at Northumbria University. He went on to Reading University where he obtained his PhD in domestic energy efficiency.

Amanda Mundell

Senior Lecturer

Amanda is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment and teaches on post-graduate and undergraduate programmes. Her teaching experience is supported by 2:1 law degree (specialising in Planning and Environmental Law), a post-graduate professional qualification (Legal Practice Course), along with 15 years relevant practical experience with a Local Planning Authority in their Legal and Development Control Sections.